Ryan was recently on FOX 17 news talking about the award and his work, (archive will be posted soon). For more about Ryan and the award, check out this press release.

Ryan cannot thank his fans and supporters enough – students all over Michigan, teachers and librarians, media specialists, parents, and families for his career being what it is today. From Ryan, “I can’t wait for what the future holds. A very special thanks to the Michigan Reading Association for this great honor and this recognition. I am humbled and flattered, and committed to a lifetime of promoting literacy in this great state of ours. Thank you all for your support! “

Just…wow.

So I returned late last night with a mixed bag of emotions ranging from inspired, motivated, humbled, confident, happy, sad, and you get the idea. Here are some things I was not expecting vursus what I was expecting:

Was expecting New York City to be scary and impersonal. Was NOT expecting New York City to be the opposite. Was expecting to keep my head down and quietly take notes at the conference. Was NOT expecting to make 35+ new friends. Real friends. People I call true peers that I want to remain connected with.

Was expecting lots of inexperienced hopefuls with newbie questions and self-absorbed ideas about this industry. Was NOT expecting to be humbled by the sheer volume of talent and professionalism from the attendees. There are a lot of great talented people in SCBWI and I am really happy to have made friends this weekend. Was expecting to hear a lot of validation of ideas I already knew (which I did, as well), but was NOT expecting to completely rethink the approaches I have been taking.

Well, you get the idea. NY12SCBWI was full of surprises for me. I think 2012 will be a good year…unless the world ends on time.